Head Of London Academy Recruitment at Norwich City Fc
Job Description
Norwich City FC are seeking a Head of London Academy Recruitment to lead the identification and recruitment of elite young players across one of the most competitive talent markets in English football.
This role is fundamental to the club’s long-term academy strategy, supporting the implementation of scouting and recruitment processes across the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) pathway while ensuring Norwich City continues to identify and attract the highest-potential young players.
Head of London Academy Recruitment
⚽ Key Responsibilities
- Lead Academy and grassroots scouting activity across London and surrounding regions
- Identify and recruit players across the EPPP Player Performance Pathway in line with club recruitment profiles
- Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of academy and non-academy players across the region
- Support crossover scouting watches through both live and video analysis
- Watch and report on a minimum of eight games per week
- Manage trialist identification games
- Oversee the complete trialist experience for London-based players
- Assist in implementing academy recruitment and scouting strategies across the region
- Support succession planning and long-term player acquisition objectives
- Develop and manage a network of scouts and football contacts
- Build strong relationships with academies, grassroots clubs, schools, and football organisations across London and surrounding areas
- Implement scouting policies and protocols for scouts attending fixtures
- Support internal and external scouting operations across designated territories
- Assist with the maintenance and development of the club’s Talent Identification database
- Ensure scouting reports and recruitment records remain accurate and up to date
- Complete administrative duties associated with academy recruitment and talent identification
Essential Requirements
- FA Talent Identification Level 2 qualification
- UEFA C Licence
- FA Safeguarding and First Aid qualifications
- Full UK Driving Licence
- Experience working within football environments and player recruitment pathways
- Strong organisational, communication, and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a high-performance team
- Computer literate with strong reporting and administration skills
- Experience working within a professional football academy environment
⭐ Desirable
- FA Talent Identification Level 3 or Level 4 qualification
- UEFA B or UEFA A Licence
- Extensive experience within academy recruitment and talent identification programmes
Personal Attributes
- Self-motivated and highly committed
- Strong strategic planning and organisational skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities
- Strong understanding of youth player development and recruitment processes
- Ability to build productive relationships across the football landscape
Benefits Include
- Complimentary home match ticket
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Enhanced family-friendly leave policies
- Royal London Pension Scheme
- Reward Gateway benefits platform
- Enhanced CPD opportunities and professional development pathways
- Opportunities to contribute to wider club initiatives and working groups
- Access to wellbeing support, including 24/7 GP access for employees and dependents
- Access to gym and exercise facilities at Carrow Road and the Avant Training Centre
️ Equality, Diversity & Safeguarding
Norwich City FC is committed to equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding. All appointments are subject to satisfactory DBS and identity checks, with online searches conducted as part of safer recruitment procedures.
A fantastic opportunity to lead academy recruitment within one of England’s leading youth development programmes and help identify the next generation of Norwich City talent.